Abstract: The invention relates to methods and reagents for determining efficacy of vaccine, particularly of a tuberculosis vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention involves the reaction of a CD4 immuno-conjugate with a sample of patient whole blood. The CD4 immuno-conjugate consists of one or more antibodies with specificity for the CD4 surface receptor coupled to a signal moiety, or “label”, that is detectable by a flow cytometer. Such labels may generate a signal by such means as fluorescence properties, light scatter properties, electronic properties, or magnetic properties. The CD4 immuno-conjugate binds to both the CD4 positive lymphocytes (Helper T cells) and all monocytes. Differential detection means are employed to count immuno-conjugate labeled Helper T cells. The present invention distinguishes itself by simultaneously measuring the signal level from monocytes as a means to verify sufficient activity of the anti-CD4 antibody.

Abstract: A compound comprising combination of an immunomodulator and to at least one anti-pathogenic agent for treating of facultative or strict infections caused by intracellular microorganisms, the components of the combination or association of substances of the invention, the immunomodulator (proteic aggregate of ammonium and magnesium phospholinoleate-palmitoleate anhydride) and at least one substance with antimicrobial properties can be administered either jointly, simultaneously, consecutively or sequentially, in an appropriate form, according to their chemical properties, and in a dose effective against microorganisms in human and animals.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases resulting from infections by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. In particular the invention relates to the use of an antigen selected among (a) a synthetic peptide 5P having the following formula: DPhe-NMeVal-Ile-Phe-Ala-OMe (SEQ ID NO: 1); (b) a lipopeptide L5P consisting of the synthetic peptide a) wherein the N-terminal phenylalanine residue is N-acylated with an eicosanoic acid acyl chain; (c) a variant of peptide a) or lipopeptide b) able to react with anti-Mycobacterium paratuberculosis antibodies; for in vitro detection or quantification of specific anti-Mycobacterium paratuberculosis antibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: A composition and method for immunizing a mammal infected with Mycobacterium are disclosed. The genes gcpE, pstA, kdpC, papA2, impA, umaA1, fabG2_2, aceAB, mbtH2, lpqP, map0834c, cspB, lipN, and map1634 of M. paratuberculosis and the products that they encode are vaccine targets for Johne's and Crohn's disease. Eighteen M. paratuberculosis-specific genomic islands (MAPs) were identified. Three inverted large genomic fragments in M. paratuberculosis (INV) were also identified. These genomic identifiers represent novel virulence determinants that can be used as targets for vaccines and for developments of drugs against Johne's disease. The methods can be used to deliver an immunizing compound to a mammal, to provide an immune response against Johne's or Crohn's disease in the mammal.

Abstract: Methods for synthesis and manufacture of polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines at high yield are provided. The methods involve reaction of a hydrazide group on one reactant with an aldehyde or cyanate ester group on the other reactant. The reaction proceeds rapidly with a high conjugation efficiency, such that a simplified purification process can be employed to separate the conjugate product from the unconjugated protein and polysaccharide and other small molecule by-products.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of mycobacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, lymphoproliferative disorders and induction of immunosuppression following transplantation using coronin 1 and modulators of coronin 1. Particular modulators of coronin 1 are compounds which inhibit the production of coronin 1 or the formation of active coronin 1 from a coronin 1 precursor, partly or entirely inactivate coronin 1, inhibit concentration of coronin 1 at the site of T cell activation, or inhibit the coronin 1 mediated signaling pathway downstream of the T cell receptor. Examples of such modulators are antibody or antibody fragments, coronin 1 peptide fragments or corresponding phosphopeptides, or anti-sense oligonucleotides, e.g. siRNA or shRNA.